What is the initiating event that leads to the development of atherosclerosis?
Injury to the endothelial cells that line the artery walls
Release of the platelet-deprived growth factor
Macrophages adhere to vessel walls
Release of the inflammatory cytokines
The Correct Answer is A
A. Injury to the endothelial cells that line the artery walls: The development of atherosclerosis begins with damage to the endothelial cells of the arterial wall. This injury can be caused by various factors, including hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Once the endothelium is injured, it becomes more permeable, allowing lipids and inflammatory cells to penetrate and accumulate, leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
B. Release of the platelet-derived growth factor: While platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) plays a role in the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and the progression of atherosclerosis, it is not the initiating event. PDGF is released in response to endothelial injury and inflammation but does not cause the initial damage itself.
C. Macrophages adhere to vessel walls: The adherence of macrophages to the vessel walls occurs after the initial endothelial injury. Once the endothelium is damaged, macrophages migrate to the site and contribute to the inflammatory response and plaque formation, but this is not the initiating event.
D. Release of inflammatory cytokines: Inflammatory cytokines are part of the response that follows endothelial injury and play a role in the progression of atherosclerosis. However, the release of these cytokines is a consequence of the initial injury rather than the initiating event.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Atherosclerosis causes ischemia of the intima: While atherosclerosis can affect the intima (the inner layer of the blood vessel), it primarily leads to plaque formation and vessel wall changes rather than causing ischemia directly in the intima. Ischemia typically refers to reduced blood supply to tissues.
B. Atherosclerosis erodes the vessel wall: Atherosclerosis leads to the formation of plaques that can erode and weaken the vessel wall over time. This weakening can create areas of localized dilation, leading to the development of aneurysms. The disruption of the structural integrity of the vessel wall due to atherosclerosis is a key factor in the formation of aneurysms.
C. It increases nitric oxide: Atherosclerosis is associated with impaired endothelial function, which typically results in reduced production of nitric oxide rather than an increase. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator that helps maintain vascular health, and its decrease contributes to vascular dysfunction.
D. It obstructs the vessel: While atherosclerosis can lead to vascular obstruction through plaque buildup, the direct relationship between atherosclerosis and aneurysm formation is more about the weakening and erosion of the vessel wall rather than simply obstructing it. Obstruction can lead to ischemia, but it is not the primary mechanism leading to aneurysm development.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Obstructive: Obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by increased resistance in the airways, making it more difficult to expire air. Conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) lead to airflow limitation, requiring greater force to expel air from the lungs.
B. Communicable: Communicable pulmonary diseases refer to infections that can be transmitted from person to person, such as tuberculosis or influenza. This classification does not directly relate to the mechanics of airflow and does not specifically require more force to expire air.
C. Acute: Acute pulmonary disease describes a sudden onset of symptoms, which can be caused by various conditions (e.g., pneumonia or pulmonary embolism). The term "acute" does not inherently indicate a need for increased expiratory force and can encompass both obstructive and restrictive patterns.
D. Restrictive: Restrictive pulmonary disease involves reduced lung volume and compliance, making it difficult to expand the lungs fully during inspiration. While patients may struggle to inhale adequately, they typically do not require increased force to expire air, as expiratory airflow is usually not obstructed in the same manner as in obstructive diseases.
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